Building Permits
A building permit is required for all interior and exterior changes except for cosmetic changes such as carpeting or painting. A permit is required whether the change involves new construction or replacement.
The purpose of building permits is to ensure that the proposed work complies with state and local codes enacted for health, safety and energy conservation purposes.
The authority to require Building Permits is detailed in the City's Municipal Code and in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. All construction and development projects submitted to the City on or after January 01, 2023, will be required to comply with 2022 California Building Standards Code and City of Foster City current Municipal Code.
Who should take out the permit: The property owner or a contractor licensed by the State of California can obtain permits. Tenants may obtain a permit if they have the written permission of the property owner and the property owner signs the permit documents
Steps for obtaining a building permit for the following projects: (Room additions, Roofs, Kitchen remodels, Bathroom remodels, water heaters, furnaces, HVAC, generators, siding repair, fences (if over six feet in height), windows, decks, sunrooms, garages, gazebos, arbors, trellises, skylights, antennas, solar photovoltaic, spas, pools, sheds (if over 120 square feet), windscreens). For a Re-Roof project click here.
Step 1. Planning approval required prior to building application for all of the above projects.
Step 2. Fill out Building Application
Step 3. 4 Sets of plans required (except for furnace and water heater replacement in the same location)
Step 4. Pay Fees and obtain a Business License if needed. (https://permit.fostercity.org/etrakit/)
Please note: Some projects may require plan check review, which can take up to four weeks. See Plan Check Turn Around Times
Step 5. The permit is issued
Step 6. Permit holder schedules required inspections.
Project is complete once final inspection on job card is signed off by Foster City Building Inspector.
If your project valuation exceeds $100,000 please fill out the Construction and Demolition Recycling form.
Please see a list of Handouts and Checklists that can assist you with your project or use our new Permit Guide:
Online Submission
For a video walk through of how to apply for a Building Permit on our eTRAKiT portal, click here: Foster City - Building Permit eTRAKiT Application Walk Through
Visit: https://permit.fostercity.org/etrakit/
BUILDING PERMIT INQUIRIES
Less complex projects such as:
Residential:
• Single Family Dwelling interior alteration
• Remodel or repair permits
Commercial:
• Tenant improvements involving:
• Retail use (less than 1,500 total sq ft)
• Office space (less than 10,000 total sq ft)
• Roof top mechanical unit < 2,500 lbs.(without Hazardous Materials)
• Minor interior alterations for office or retail space (no changes in occupancy), exiting or structural systems, or minor accessibility upgrades
Building Division Counter Hours:
Building Division Counter is now open. Building Division walk-in hours are as follows:
Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm for lunch)
Please note the last permit is issued at 4:30 PM
Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED
Express Plan Check Hours:
Residential: Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM - Use this link to Schedule Appointment.
Commercial: Thursdays from 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM - Use this link to Schedule Appointment.
Refer to Express Plan Check Review guide to see if your job qualifies for Express Plan Check service.
Over-the-Counter Permits:
Over-the-Counter Permits are reviewed and can be issued on the same day at the Building Division's Permitting Center from 9:00 am to 11:30 am on Tuesday and Thursday (EXCEPT HOLIDAYS). Appointments are required for over-the-counter building permits. The applicant shall bring a completed building permit application along with the required plans and/or documents. You can find out more about Over-the-Counter Permits Guide.
For a video walk through of how to schedule an Over-the-Counter Permit appointment, click here: Foster City - Scheduling an OTC Permit Appointment
To schedule your Over-the-Counter Permit appointment, click here:
